The night was thick with silence, broken only by the sound of waves crashing gently outside Sage's private villa. Sam lay back on the plush mattress, wincing slightly as he shifted.
Sore back. Aching legs. Raw throat.
It was a miracle he was still breathing after that intense round.
Sage returned from the bathroom with a warm towel, crouching down beside the bed. "Still alive?"
Sam shot him a look. "Barely."
Sage smirked and began gently wiping him clean, a surprising tenderness to his touch.
"I'm hungry," Sam mumbled, flopping onto his side. "I want burgers. And ice cream."
Sage raised a brow and checked the clock. "It's 2 AM. That'll kill your gut. I'll have the maid make something light."
Sam pouted dramatically.
Twenty minutes later, Sage returned with a bowl of steaming noodles. Sam scoffed at first — then devoured it anyway.
Midway through chewing, Sam narrowed his eyes. "So. Why am I here again?"
Sage didn't look up from his laptop. "Where else would you go?"
"My room," Sam said pointedly. "In the hotel. With my friends."
Sage hummed, lips quirking. "Ah. Don't worry. You'll get your chance—on the island."
Sam froze, chopsticks mid-air. "Pardon?"
Sage finally looked up, amused. "During the day, of course. The night is mine."
"You're obsessed."
With deliberate calm, Sage stood and leaned over him, arms caging Sam in. His lips brushed Sam's in a devouring kiss, breath hot against his skin.
"Maybe I like it that way," Sage whispered.
Sam didn't budge. "Why did you invite the students to your resort?"
Sage pulled back slightly, still close. "To relax. Of course."
"Don't give me that crap." Sam's voice sharpened. "I know you, Sage."
Sage chuckled — low, dark, growling. "Looks like I can't hide anything from you anymore."
Sam said nothing. He only stared, gaze sharp and unyielding.
"There are things that need to be seen," Sage continued, voice softer now. "Uncovered. Exposed. The truth."
"You're dragging innocent students into your twisted game."
Sage raised an eyebrow. "Ah, don't worry. They won't get tangled up… unless they interfere. I can't say the same about your little squad, though."
Sam's voice dropped. "They're innocent too."
Now Sage laughed fully — loud, mocking. "Trust me, honey. No one in your circle is innocent. Especially not Jean. That brat is twisted."
Sam shot up, eyes wide with fury. "What the hell are you spouting!? Jean is—Jean! There's nothing wrong with him. Or with any of them!"
Sage tilted his head, calm as ever. "Don't deny what you've seen with your own eyes. You know what Jean did. What he can do. Or… does it not matter anymore? Will you still help him regardless?"
He leaned closer, eyes glowing like embers.
"Doesn't that make you evil too, Sam? Aren't we all the same, in the end?"
Sam was breathing hard now. His grip clenched the sheets, trembling with rage.
"You're brainwashing me, Sage!"
He lunged and grabbed Sage by the collar—
—and that's when the syringe pierced his neck.
Sam's body slumped forward, collapsing against Sage's chest.
Sage caught him, steady and practiced. He exhaled softly, ruffling Sam's hair.
"See… we're all the same. Just clinging to our own beliefs. Thinking our path is righteous. Whether it's good or evil—it doesn't really matter."
He gently tucked Sam under the blanket, brushing his fingers across his cheek.
Tomorrow would bring another storm.
But Sage?
He was already looking forward to it.
He lay down beside Sam, wrapping an arm around him, pressing a kiss to his ear… then his neck.
"Goodnight."
__________
The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across Rai's hair and shadowing the sharp curve of his cheekbones. He stirred, then froze—something heavy was pressing on him.
His eyes fluttered open.
Jean sat on top of him.
Hands on his neck.
Not tight. But not gentle either.
Rai blinked, his voice still husky.
"What are you up to this early?"
Jean's jaw was clenched.
"Why did you do it?"
"What? Ah... the syringe?"
Jean pressed harder.
"How dare you?"
"You were exhausted."
"That doesn't give you the right to inject me!"
Rai didn't argue. He simply reached up, fingers threading through Jean's hair—and yanked.
In a heartbeat, Jean was under him. Rai straddled him now, pinning both wrists to the bed.
"Listen, you brat," Rai growled. "You had a fever and still insisted on dragging your stubborn ass into an intercourse. If I hadn't injected you, you'd be hospitalized by now. Mission and island—canceled. You should be thanking me."
Jean glared, chest rising and falling fast—but Rai's words landed. Slowly, he turned his head away, quiet.
"Let me go," he muttered.
But Rai didn't move. He just stared.
"I'm sorry," he said eventually, softer now. "I acted out. That bastard left syringes in my pocket to mess with me... I didn't think I'd use one. Especially not on you."
Jean looked up at him. Their eyes locked.
"Thanks," he said quietly. "For not taking advantage of me."
Rai leaned closer, his breath warm against Jean's neck. Jean gasped—eyes wide, heart thudding.
"Guess I'll wait for you to initiate again, then," Rai murmured.
Their lips hovered inches apart.
And then—
"AHEM! AHEM!"
"JEAN!!!"
Jake's voice shattered the moment from outside the door.
Jean cursed under his breath.
"That fucker."
Rai chuckled, smooth and slow.
"We should get up."
He slipped into the bathroom. Jean stormed to the door, yanked it open—
—and slapped Jake.
"IDIOT!"
Jake blinked, in his pajamas.
"What did I do?"
Jean's face turned bright red.
"Nothing!"
And he slammed the door.
Jake's voice echoed from the hallway:
"What the heck, man?!"
"Everyone's awake! We leave at eleven!"
Jean slumped against the door, hand to his burning cheek.
"I'm fucked," he muttered.
Because he knew it now—he wanted Rai. And Rai wasn't going to make the move.
Unless Jean did.
His heart thundered in his chest. And the man responsible? Showering, calm as hell, probably humming in there.
Jean scowled at the bathroom door.
"Whatever. Let's just get ready."
_________
The soft sun hung low over the horizon as the group arrived at the vibrant port of Phi Phi Island. The sea shimmered with a lazy grace, and the air was heavy with salt, sunscreen, and just the faintest hint of something sinister.
Miana inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering shut. "Finally… we're free," she said, her voice relaxed for the first time in days.
Prez nudged her, playfully bumping shoulders. "We're not free until we survive all three days," she said with a grin. "But yeah. I needed this."
Behind them, the wind tousled their hair as waves lapped gently against the wooden dock. They strolled toward the private boat Sage had sent ahead—a sleek black vessel that screamed money and trouble.
And there he stood.
Sage. Leaning against the railing of the boat with that same smugness that lingered even when he said nothing.
Prez froze.
Her heart stuttered at the sight of him—not because of fear, but because deep down… she knew.
She knew that beneath the extravagant suit and calm smile was the masked man who made her pull the trigger that night. The man who snapped a neck before gently adjusting his cufflink.
He looked at her now—not a word, not a greeting—and raised a hand to lightly pat her head.
"Not bad, little tigress," he said, voice laced with amusement. "Your first kill. You didn't flinch too hard."
Prez blinked, stunned, blood rushing to her face—equal parts rage and confusion.
"You—"
"Don't say it," Sage said with a teasing lilt, eyes flicking to Miana who stood frozen. "It'll ruin the fun."
Miana's gaze flicked between them. "What… is he talking about?"
Prez didn't answer. She only stepped back, brushing past Sage. His soft chuckle followed her like smoke.
Behind them, the others caught up.
Jean raised an eyebrow at Sage. "You invited yourself again?"
"I own the island resort. I think that counts as an invitation," Sage replied casually, flicking his sunglasses open. "Besides, it's rude to leave your host behind."
"Host or stalker?" Rai muttered as he and Rowon boarded.
"Potato, potahto," Sage smirked.
Inside the boat, Sam sat in silence near the front deck, already brooding. He didn't look at Sage when the man approached. He didn't need to. The tension cracked like static between them.
"You're early," Sage said, walking past him. "Waiting for me?"
Sam scoffed. "Waiting for the ocean to swallow you."
Sage only smiled.
---
Arrival at the Resort
The resort was nothing short of luxurious. White stone villas wrapped around an emerald pool. Palm trees arched lazily, and attendants offered them chilled drinks before they even stepped off the boat.
Felton handed out keys without looking thrilled. "Three days here. Try not to destroy anything."
"Why does this feel like a trap?" Juli muttered.
Ray nudged Jean, pointing toward the back of the resort. "Check that out."
Beyond the spa and garden walkway stretched a patch of dense jungle. Past it—a rocky incline leading to what looked like a hidden mountain peak, partially swallowed by mist.
One of the resort managers stepped out and bowed politely. "Please be mindful. The forest behind the villas is restricted. The terrain is dangerous and the wildlife... unpredictable. Guests are not permitted beyond the marked boundary."
Which was, of course, the exact kind of warning that only made certain people more curious.
Jake leaned in to Jean with a wild grin. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
Jean's eyes didn't leave the peak. "I never think. I just do."
Rowon sighed. "I knew it. We haven't even unpacked and you guys already want to start some illegal hiking?"
Sam: Let's just be careful.
Prez: Yoo bro. Don't worry. ' We are fine. ' Chill.
Sam: You sure?
Miana: Yes. Sure.
Miana giggled softly. "I mean... what's the worst that could happen?"
Sage's gaze followed the mountains with a rare glint of genuine interest.
"The worst?" he repeated under his breath, almost gleefully.
"Oh, you'll see."
________
Night had fallen on Phi Phi Island, cloaking the beach resort in warm lights, laughter, and the sound of waves crashing in the distance. Music pulsed from hidden speakers, students danced barefoot on the sand, and the tropical breeze carried scents of grilled seafood and sunscreen.
Jake hadn't left Prez's side for even a second. Not since that night.
Prez narrowed her eyes. "What the hell are you doing?"
Jake replied, arms crossed like a bouncer, "Guarding."
She scoffed. "Who asked you for that?"
Jake grinned. "Me."
Prez rolled her eyes with the force of a tidal wave. Beside her, Miana sighed, caught in her own babysitting dilemma — Ray and Juli had latched onto her like overprotective bodyguards, each holding one of her hands like twin leashes.
---
Near the bar, Jean sat with a glass of orange juice, glaring at it like it had personally offended him. Rai leaned lazily on the counter, teasing him.
"You sure you're eighteen ? You drink like you're eight."
Jean opened his mouth, preparing a savage comeback, when something stopped him cold.
A silhouette.
Shrouded in shadow, haggard and dirty, staring directly at him from the edge of the light. Their eyes met — and the man bolted.
Jean's chair scraped back violently as he chased without a word.
"Jean? Wait—Jean!"
Rai called out, confused, but Jean had already disappeared .
---
The man ran like an animal, desperate and ragged, stumbling through the underbrush. Jean followed like a bullet — focused, relentless, silent.
Finally, the man tripped, slamming into the dirt. Jean was on him in a second, yanking back his hood and cap.
His face.
That face.
Time stopped.
Jean's breath hitched. His heart pounded. How? How is he here?
He was supposed to be dead.
Before Jean could move, the man grabbed a fistful of dirt and flung it into Jean's face. Jean recoiled, blinded. When he wiped his eyes clean, the man was already gone.
---
Back at the resort, the group had gathered near the bonfire. Laughter dimmed the second Jean returned, covered in dust and breathing hard. Rai spotted him first, relief washing over his face as he ran to meet him.
Sam beat him there.
"Where the hell did you go? You're filthy!"
Jean didn't answer right away.
Sage stepped forward with a smile that barely masked his interest. "Saw something you shouldn't have, little wolf?"
Jean looked up sharply, studying him. Did he know? Did he send him? Or was he hiding him all along?
Everyone surrounded Jean now — Sam, Jake, Ray, Juli, Miana, Prez, Rai, Rowon, and even Felton. Their voices overlapped in confusion and concern.
But Jean's gaze locked only with Sam's.
"He's alive," Jean whispered.
The ripple of silence was immediate.
Prez and Miana blinked in confusion. "Who's alive?"
But Sam's jaw tightened. Jake raised an eyebrow. Juli's smile froze. Ray crossed his arms.
They understood. Instantly.
Prez frowned. "Jean?"
Juli stepped in quickly. "We should go. Too many people here."
It was true. Other guests were staring.
Jean nodded. The last thing he wanted was another scene — or to drag the Vice Principal into more drama.
Rai and Rowon started to follow, but Sage moved in smoothly, blocking them with a theatrical grin.
"Tsk tsk. Detectives — always so serious." He clapped a hand on Rai's shoulder. "Let the kids handle their secrets. We adults deserve a drink, don't you think?"
Rai narrowed his eyes. "I'm not in the mood—"
But Sage had already guided them toward the bar, with Felton trailing behind, dead silent.
Rai glanced back one last time.
Jean met his eyes.
And though Jean said nothing, his expression screamed it:
Please don't follow me. Not this time.
Rai's gut twisted. What the hell did he just see? Who was alive? And why did it shake Jean this badly?
_____________
The mood in the suite was quiet—too quiet. The lights were dimmed, luggage barely unpacked, and yet tension hung thick in the air. Jean sat on the edge of the couch, back hunched, jaw locked. The others waited for him to speak.
Prez finally broke the silence.
Prez: "Who did you see, Jean?"
Jake glanced at Jean with an uncertain expression—like asking for permission. Should they really involve the girls in this mess? Especially after what they'd just been through?
Prez: "If you're staying silent because you think we'll get traumatized or something…"
She leaned forward, eyes unwavering.
"Don't worry. Been there, done that. Nothing can shake me anymore."
There was steel in her voice now. She had killed someone. What else was left to fear?
Sam: "It's something about our past."
Miana: "Your past?"
Ray: "Our," he corrected.
Juli gave a small, solemn nod.
Juli: "We..."
Jean finally raised his head.
Jean: "Don't, Juli. I'll say it. But not all of it."
Prez and Miana leaned in as Jean took a breath that trembled with rage.
Jean: "He killed my parents. He shouldn't be alive. But he is—running around, wild."
The girls froze. The way Jean said "He shouldn't be alive"—so direct, so numb—it left them speechless.
Prez swallowed hard, her mind racing. Could she ever confess her own darkness this way? Could she ever speak her truth out loud?
Prez: "That's enough. Don't say anything else."
Miana: "Did you guys… help him? Back then?"
Her voice was soft, yet accusing. The boys didn't flinch.
Jake: "Yes."
Prez: "Now what? We hunt him down again?"
Jake: "Where is that bastard? Is he alone?"
Sam: "What's he even doing on this island?"
Jean: "I don't know! I don't know anything!"
He stood, fists clenched.
"All I know is—he shouldn't be alive. And I'll hunt him again."
Ray: "Where did he run off to?"
Jean: "Back of the forest. Up the mountain peak."
Juli: "Then… should we go?"
Miana: "VP sir and the others must not find out. We leave after they've gone to their rooms."
Jean: "Don't tell Rai or Rowon."
Sam: "Especially Sage."
That caught everyone's attention. Heads turned toward Sam.
Sam: "I don't know why. But he's hiding something. He always is."
He looked down, jaw tightening. Muttering to himself. It's all connected to him—I can feel it.
Jean: let's finish what we started three years ago.
---
In Front of the Bar
Sage leaned casually on the bar railing, twirling a glass between his fingers. Rai was just about to take a shot when Sage leaned in.
Sage: "So… did you get the reward?"
Rai froze, glass inches from his lips. His eyes narrowed.
Rai: "Why did you send me that?"
Sage: "To see your reaction."
He grinned, sipping slowly.
"To see what you'd do with the truth. So, tell me, Detective… did you hand it over to your commander?"
Silence.
Rai didn't answer. He didn't have to. That pause was all Sage needed.
Sage: (smirking) "Knew it. I told you... We're more alike than you think."
He turned with a chuckle and headed for his private quarters, casually throwing a "Good night" over his shoulder like they weren't dancing on a knife's edge.
Nearby, Felton watched everything. Rowon noticed his glance.
Felton: "Don't chase those kids after midnight. Sometimes… it's better to let them figure it out on their own."
Rowon: "What do you mean?"
Felton said nothing. Just walked off, leaving a stunned Rowon behind.
Rowon had half a mind to invite him to his room—but the weight of Felton's words left him speechless.
Rai walked over, watching Sage disappear.
Rai: "Something's coming."
Rowon quietly nodded, "I can feel it too."